Hay in Nets – Yes or No?
Ing. Lucie Humeni
In the context of modern horse management, I often encounter the question in practice of whether it is appropriate to feed hay using nets or whether it is better to leave it freely on the ground. The answer is not universal – it depends on several factors, including the horse’s health status, the overall management of the stable and paddock, etc. I am writing this article to summarize scientific findings as well as practical experience, which may help you decide how to offer hay.
Physiological and Behavioral Aspects of Feeding
The horse is evolutionarily adapted to spend most of the day searching pasture, gradually and relatively slowly consuming small amounts of forage. When allowed to live “naturally” by chewing hay or grass, horses can spend up to 14 hours a day eating, and this long, slow intake of food is essential for digestive tract health and also serves as prevention against stereotypic behaviors.
Feeding hay on the ground better mimics the natural method of intake, where the horse keeps its head lowered while eating. This angle facilitates chewing, promotes saliva production, ensures better passage of food through the esophagus, reduces tension in the neck muscles, and supports proper alignment of the respiratory tract.
Why Are Hay Nets Used?
The main motivation for using hay nets is most often reducing waste and improving economic efficiency. Nets significantly reduce the amount of hay that horses scatter and do not consume. In practice, waste can be reduced by more than half, which can mean considerable cost savings.
Scientific studies also confirm that smaller mesh sizes slow down the rate of feed intake and therefore extend the time the horse spends chewing. It has been proven that hay nets with small openings prolong hay consumption time. This can be beneficial for horses prone to obesity or digestive problems, where slow and steady intake helps reduce the risk of metabolic disorders and gastric ulcers.
When Is It Better to Leave Hay Loose?
For many horses, consuming hay from nets changes the natural position of the head and neck because the horse often has to stretch or extend its head forward to reach every piece of hay. This unnatural angle places strain on the neck and shoulder muscles and affects the biomechanics of chewing, which may reduce feed breakdown efficiency and saliva production. The salivary glands release enzymes and alkaline components that neutralize stomach acids. Insufficient saliva production increases the risk of gastric problems and digestive disorders.
At the same time, this posture also affects the respiratory system. The angle of the head and neck alters the position of the larynx and trachea, which may restrict airflow, increase resistance during inhalation, and worsen lung ventilation. In horses with pre-existing respiratory issues, this may further reduce breathing comfort and feeding safety. Additionally, when pulling hay from nets, there is a higher risk that small pieces may enter the airways, which can cause feed aspiration and coughing in sensitive individuals.
Therefore, for horses with musculoskeletal problems (back pain, stiffness, etc.), dental issues, reduced chewing efficiency, or respiratory conditions, hay placed freely is often a much safer and more physiological option. It allows a natural head position, optimal saliva production, proper laryngeal function, and safe airflow, thereby supporting healthy digestion and comfortable breathing.
How to Use Hay Nets Safely and Effectively
If you decide to use a hay net, it is important to choose the correct mesh size.
- Large mesh (50–75 mm) – Slows feed intake less and is suitable for horses in normal body condition that do not require restriction.
- Medium mesh (15–30 mm) – Represents the most common compromise because it extends hay consumption time without causing stress.
- Small mesh (under 15 mm) – Very effective at slowing intake but may increase stress.
Ideally, the net should be hung in a way that allows the horse to eat with a natural head position, reducing strain on the neck and back while supporting proper laryngeal and respiratory function. The material should be durable and equipped with a safety feature that allows release if the horse becomes suddenly caught. A properly selected and positioned net can slow feed intake, reduce waste, and minimize risks for the horse.
Conclusion
To summarize, in my opinion, hay nets are not a “miracle tool,” but neither are they an inherently harmful feeding method. Their suitability depends on the individual needs of the horse. From the perspective of physiology and behavior, loose hay on the ground remains closest to natural feeding; however, a properly selected and safely positioned hay net can be a useful aid, especially when more controlled hay intake is needed.
Sources
- Longland, A.C. et al., 2014. The Effect of Hay Net Design on Rate of Forage Consumption When Feeding Adult Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. Online. ScienceDirect. Cited: January 18, 2026.
- The use of hay nets and slow feeders as feeding methods in horse management: A semi-systematic review. PubMed Abstract. Cited: January 18, 2026.
- DeBoer, M. et al., 2024. Effect of hay nets on horse bodyweight, body condition score, hay usage, and dental health in mature adult horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. Online. ScienceDirect. Cited: January 18, 2026.
- Hodgson, S. et al., 2022. Posture and Pull Pressure by Horses When Eating Hay or Haylage from a Hay Net Hung at Various Positions. Animals (Basel). Online. MDPI. Cited: January 18, 2026.
- Feeding time in horses provided roughage in different combinations of haynets and on the stable floor. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. Online. ScienceDirect. Cited: January 18, 2026.
